Sadhuragiri Trip

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Sadhuragiri Information:-

http://exploringmotherindia.blogspot.com/2008/11/sadhuragiri-part-1.html

Regards,

Krishna Kumar.S

Shirdi Sai Baba

The world is slowly moving away from God. Principles of religions are being ignored. Poverty, hunger has showed its gruesome form in many parts of the world. There are many people who don’t get a plate of meal in a day. Lots of people are killed in the name of fight for religion, caste superiority. Women are raped during intercaste, inter-religious clashes and there is child abuse everywhere. People take immense pleasure in hurting others, not understanding other’s feelings. Money, luxury, wealth has become a priority putting human values aside. But there is something much beyond these three. That is satisfaction and content. Every human needs these qualities in the world. It can be achieved through humbleness alone. There is something common in everything i.e principles. The Bible, Bhagvad Gita and Quran have got many similar points. God is present in books. Every principles stated in books equals God. Hurting a fellow human being by words, physically, by thoughts is a sin. Hurting animals is also a sin. We all are going to live in this world for a short time, let’s not hurt each other. Our existence in this world is temporary and God has sent us for a special task which you would know soon!





There are a few common things, which could be asked by readers. Where is God? Can you show me God? How does He look? If He is there, then why He isn’t protecting us or blessing everyone? These questions have answers within you, as you are more intelligent than me. I am not God to find what’s in your mind. You can get answers for everything by being humble.

As lots of evil things happen, some enlightened forms do take birth time to time to restructure the human society. One such soul was Sai Baba of Shirdi. Shirdi is a small town in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra, India. His birth origins, early life details are not known or clear. He was believed to be an Indian guru, yogi, and fakir. He was respected by both Hindu and Muslim followers. Hindus revered him as a saint with rituals and Muslim considered him as an enlightened soul. Sai Baba was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to Muslims, he was the reincarnation of Kabir, a mystic poet who was the disciple of Hindu saint Ramananda. It was believed that Saibaba was born to an Hindu couple but brought up by a fakir. During his lifetime, Sai Baba didn’t show interest in answering questions related to his birth and he said that it was unimportant and unneeded.




He was believed to be born in the year 1838 or 1835 in a village slightly away from Shirdi. Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and Guru. He resided in an old, dilapidated mosque and lived a solitary life, surviving by begging for alms. Baba delivered spiritual teachings to his visitors, recommending the reading of sacred Hindu texts along with the Quran. He often expressed himself in a cryptic manner with the use of parables, symbols, and proverbs.

Sai Baba observed worship procedures belonging to Hinduism and Islam. He also wore clothing reminiscent of a Sufi fakir resembling a Muslim. He opposed all sorts of persecutions on religious or caste background. Although, Baba himself led the life of an ascetic, he advised his followers to lead an ordinary family life. Sai Baba encouraged his devotees to pray, chant God's name and read Holy Scriptures. He advised Muslims to study the Qur'an and told the Hindus texts like the Ramayana, Vishnu Sahasranam, Bhagavad Gita. He advised his devotees and followers to lead a moral life. He also criticized atheism. In his teachings, Sai Baba emphasized the importance of performing one's duties without attachment to earthly matters and being content regardless of the situation.



Sai Baba said that the world and all that the humans may give is transient and only God and his gifts are eternal. He also talked about the need of faith and devotion to one's teacher or Guru. He advised his disciples and followers to overcome the negative features of character and develop the good ones. Sai Baba left no written works. His teachings were oral, typically short, rather than elaborate discourses. He would ask his followers for money, which he would give away to the poor and other devotees the same day.




Sai Baba encouraged charity and the importance of sharing goodness with others. He said, "Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody progresses in life. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect. Shri Hari will be certainly pleased if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked”. Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi on October 15, 1918 at 2.30pm. He died on the lap of one of his devotees with hardly any belongings.

-Krishna Kumar.S

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Chapter#20: Thirumangai Azhwar

Thirumangai Azhwar was the last of the 12 Azhwars. His name was actually Neelar, but later he came to be known as “Thirumangai Azhwar” as he ruled Aali Naadu from the capital city of Thirumangai. From childhood, Thirumangai Azhwar was given proper education. Since, he was born in the generation of brave persons, he learnt the art of fighting. He learnt to use sword, bow and arrow. Neelar fought and led the forces on behalf of Chozha Empire and defeated its enemy invaders. For his braveness, the Chozha king made him as the king of Aali Nadu, having its capital as "Thirumangai". His fighting nature made all of the enemy kings to think him as "Kaalan" (time which takes all of our lives) and because of this, Neelar was also given the name "Parakaalan".

In that time, in Deva lokam (Heaven), a deva kanni by the name "Sumangali" lived and she is the head of the deva mangais. Once she wanted to visit the bhoolokam (earth). So Sumangali along with other deva kanniyars came down to the bhoolokam and first visited the Himalayan Mountains. At that time, kapila munivar was explaining about the beauty and greatness of Sriman Narayanan. Lots of sages and people were found around Kapila Munivar. One among the munis was looking ugly. Sumangali commented on him and laughed at him. On seeing the bad character of all the kanniyars and specifically of Sumangali, Kapila munivar got angry on them and gave Sumangali a curse saying that she would be born as a normal human being.

Sumangali realized her mistake and regretted. But no curse could be taken back. Kapila muni explained that the curse given to her was due to the fate that's written and she will be got married to a great warrior and an intelligent person, who is said to be the Hamsam of Sriman Narayanan's bow. He also added that his (Thirumangai mannan's) mind is concentrated fully on war and fight and it has to be turned towards her and his mind should be diverted towards the bhakti of Sriman Narayanan. If it is done like that, she will be free of her curse and she can return back to Heaven.

Sumangali took birth in earth as a baby. Years passed away and one fine day, her father started to find a proper man for her. At that time, she explained her birth secret and explained him that she will be getting married to the Thirumangai Mannan. That's her fate and he will approach her in getting married.

As the day passed, Thirumangai Mannan heard about the beauty of Kumudhavalli and thought of meeting her and getting married to her. There were two conditions. Thirumangai Mannan should change his life towards Lord Vishnu and avoid fighting wars. Secondly, he should give food to 1008 Vishnu Bhaktas everyday.

He agreed to the conditions and married her. As days passed, his wealth started to decrease as he was doing good things for many people. As a result of this, he could not pay the Kappam (money that has to be paid by the small kings to the king of the Empire). The Chozha king got angry on him and sent some of his soldiers to ask for it. But, since Parakaalan (Thirumangai mannan) spent lots of money for the Vishnu bhaktaas, he could pay the money to the Chozha Empire. The Chozha king was very upset. He was the person who encouraged Thirumangai Mannan. He was the person who made him as the king. Chozha king felt humiliated.

Thirumangai Mannan also felt bad. But he needed to feed Vishnu bhaktas. At the same time, he also needed to be faithful to the King. So he thought of stealing gold and ornaments from wealthy people.

Sriman Vishnu and Sri Lakshmi came to earth in the form of newly married couples. As their caravan was passing through the forest, Thirumangai mannan and his soldiers stopped them. Thirumangai Mannan ordered to give their ornaments and money.

Hearing this, all the people in the caravan including the Maappillai (Sri Vishnu) and Manamagal (Sri Lakshmi) gave their ornaments. Thirumangai mannan checked whether all of their ornaments are removed but found a Kanaiyaazhi (an ornament are that is worn on the legs) on the right hand of the Maappillai. Parakaalan ordered that it should also be removed for which the Maappillai said that he could not remove that. Instead he asked Thirumangai Mannnan to remove it himself. Neelan tried to remove it but he could not do it.

Since he could not remove the Kanaiyaazhi from his legs, he left that and ordered his main soldier "Thoalavazhakkan" to tie up all the ornaments and money in a sack. But, he could not lift the sack full of various precious products. Then Thirumangai mannan also tried and he too failed.

He finally identified that the maappillai and the Manamagan are none other than the Emperumaan and Sri Lakshmi piratti. He apologized for the mistakes. For the rest of his life, he visited many Divya Desams and did a lot of good things to people.

Chapter#19: Thiruppaan Azhwar

Thiruppaan Azhwar is one of the 12 Azhwars. He was born in an untouchable community, but as a result of his devotion towards Sriman Narayanan, he was listed among the great twelve Azhwars. It is said that Azhwar is an hamsam of the small mole, called as "Sri Vatsam" which is found in the chest of Sriman Narayanan. Having a veena in his hand, he always sang on Sri Vishnu. Since he belonged to the backward class, he wasn't allowed inside the temple. Also he wasn't allowed to wash his legs in the banks of Kauvery. One day Lord Aranganathar appeared in the dreams of Sarangamuni, another devotee of Vishnu and asked him to carry Thiruppaan Azhwar into Sri Rangam temple complex. Sarangamuni being a staunch Vishnu devotee went to Thiruppaan and asked him to climb on his shoulders. Thiruppaan refused at first. The reason was that he belonged to the caste of untouchable. Sarangamuni belonged to a higher caste. But at last Sarangamuni convinced Thiruppaan to climb on his shoulders. As Sarangamuni walked towards the temple, everyone was shocked. Surprisingly, Thiruppaan was able to see Perumal. He couldn’t believe his eyes.






He then started to see the whole thirumeni (body) of Emperumaan and he sung a total of ten paasurams which explain the beauty of Sri Ranganathar from his thiruvadi (foot) to thirumudi(head). He explains in his ten paasuram about the clean saffron cloth which is worn on the body of Ranganathar, his jewels the thiru vayiru(stomach) from where Lord Brahma originated, the broad chest, the red lips and finally on explaining the beauty of the two broad eyes, he fell down. After some time, Thiruppaan Azhwar was not found and he is believed to have merged into the body of Thiruvaranganathan. Like Andal, whose thought was always on Aranganathan, who was captured by the love of the Perumal, Thiruppaan Azhwar was also captured by the love and he went towards the Aranganathan.Thiruppaan Azhwar has sung only ten paasurams, where he has explained about how a human should be in his/her life.

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Thanks,

-Krishna Kumar. S

Chapter#18: Andal

Andal is an 10th century Tamil saint and one of the twelve Azhwars and the only woman Azhwar. She is credited with the great Tamil works of Thirupavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi that are still recited by devotees during the season of Margazhi. The Sri Villiputhoor Temple is dedicated to her. Andal avoided earthly marriage. She wanted to marry the Lord. In many places in India, particularly in Tamilnadu, Andal is treated more than a saint and as a form of God. She is believed to be an Amsam of Bhoomadevi, consort of Vishnu.

Andal is believed to have been discovered under a Tulsi plant in the temple garden of Sri Villiputtur by Peri Azhwar. The child was named Kodhai meaning a beautiful garland. As Kodhai grew into a beautiful maiden, her love and devotion for the Lord grew to an enormouse extent that she decided to marry the Lord.

Periazhwar had the responsibility of delivering flower garlands to the Lord's temple everyday. Kodhai made these garlands and sent it to her beloved Lord through her father. She started wearing the flower garland which was meant to be offered to the Lord. This is generally considered wrong in any religion. The devotees should not offer anything to the Lord that has already been used by a human being.





However, Kodhai felt that she should test to see how the garland suited her and only if it did, she should offer it to the Lord. One day she was caught red-handed by her father in this strange act and as an orthodox devotee he was extremely upset. That night the Lord appeared to Periazhwvar in his dream and asked him why he had discarded Kodhai’s garland instead of offering it to Him. The Lord is believed to have told Periazhwar that He had whole-heartedly accepted Kodhai’s offering all these days. Kodhai came to be known as "Andal", meaning the girl who "ruled" over the Lord. She is also known by a phrase "Soodi kodutha Sudarkodi" which means "The bright creeper-like woman who gave her garlands after wearing them".

As Andal turned into a fifteen year old young woman, her father started to search for a suitable groom for her. Andal, however, was stubborn and insisted that she would marry only the Lord at Sri Rangam. This perplexed and worried her father. Legends say that Lord appeared in his dream once again and instructed him to send Andal to Srirangam.

Andal who was anxious to reach Srirangam and she was unable to control herself in her urgency to meet her beloved Lord. She ran into the sanctum sanctorum and is believed to have merged with Him completely at that point.

Month: Aadi
Nakshatram: Pooram
Month: Bhoodevi

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My Internet connection is down. The signal strength to my PC is low. As a result of which, I couldn't post frequently. Please do visit my other blogs.

Regards,
Krishna

Chapter#17: Periazhwar

Periazhwar was born in a brahmin family in Sri Villiputhur, near Madurai. He was also known as Vishnuchittar meaning "one who has Vishnu in his mind". Vishnuchittar composed some pasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham called periazhwar thirumozhi where he explores a devotee's love for God through the metaphor of Yasoda's motherly love for Krishna. He was the adopted father of Kodhai or Andal, the only woman azhwar.

Month: Aani
Nakshatram: Swathi
Sign: Garuda

Chapter#16: Kulasekara Azhwar

Kulasekara was an Indian King from modern day Kerala. From historical estimates it is believed he lived in or around the 8th century. After ruling for a few years, he gave up his throne and became a celibate. He wrote bhakti songs dedicated to God. As an great devotee of Rama, he considered the painful experiences of Lord Rama to be his own experiences. He is therefore also known as ‘Perum-al’, meaning ‘The Great’ – which is usually the epithet for the Lord. His devotion was so intense that he worshipped the devotees of the Lord as the Lord Himself. He lived in Srirangam and was serving the deity Ranganatha in the temple there.

Much of the details of Kulashekhara's personal life have been lost. He was an exceptional poet of devotional hymns and songs (including the famous Mukundamala-stotra). He wrote a set of ten exquisite poems in Tamil, and the work is called "Perumal Tirumoli". His poems are devotional in nature, being dedicated to the most prominent avatar's of Vishnu (Rama and Krishna).

Month: Masi
Nakshatram: Punar Poosam
Sign: Kaustabha

Chapter#15: Madhurakavi Azhwar

Madhurakavi literally means "Poet of sweet words". Madhura Kavi Azhwar was born in Thirukkolur near Azhwar Thirunagari. The Perumal in this Divya Desam is called Vaitha Maanidhi. Madhura Kavi Azhwar learnt the Vedas and was well versed in both Tamil and Sanskrit. He composed poems in praise of Bhagavan Vishnu. At one stage in his life, he decided to abandon all the chains of samsara and strive towards moksham. In this pursuit he undertook a pilgrimage to the Vada naattu divya desams like Ayodhya, Mathura etc.

When Madhura Kavi Azhwar finished his prayers at Ayodhya, he noticed a glowing ball of fire in the sky. He could not understand the reason for this phenomenon. He also noticed that the ball of fire started to move southwards. He decided to follow the light, which ultimately led him to Azhwar Thirunagari and finally disappeared. Madhura Kavigal had already heard about a sixteen year old youth Nammalvar who had spent his life since birth under a tree without eating anything and emitting a divine glow. Madhura kavi azhwar proceeded straight to the and found Swami in a trance.

In order to test Nammazhwar, Madhura kavigal dropped a stone on hearing which Swami opened his eyes and smiled at Madhura Kavi aazhwar. Now Madhura Kavi aazhwar wanted to test Swami.

Seththathin vayitril siriyadu pirandaal Eththai thindru enge kidakkum?
(literal translation - If the small one is born inside the dead one, what will it eat and where will it lie?)

Swami Nammzhwar's reply was: Aththai thindru ange kidakkum
(literal translation - It will eat that and lie there)

Madhura kavi aazhwar instantly recognized the greatness of Swami Nammazhwar and fell at his feet and resolved to become Swami Nammazhwar's disciple. Madhura Kavi aazhwar remained with Swami Nammazhwar for the rest of Swami Nammazhwar's life.

Month: Chithirai
Nakshatram: Chithra
Sign: Garuda

Rameswaram Trip

Dear readers,

I had an opportunity of visiting Rameswaram on December 22nd, 2008. It was an refreshing trip. I had the blessings of the Divine to give me an easy trouble free opportunity of taking bath in 22 wells to cleanse my sins in this materialistic world. As a result of my trip, my posting for the previous week was delayed by a week.

-Krishna

Chapter#14: Nammazhwar

Nammazhwar was one of the Azhwars who was a staunch devotee of Vishnu. As a child he responded to no external stimuli. His parents were worried and prayed to all gods for their son. Sadly, there was no change. His parents left him at the feet of the statue of Vishnu. Then the child then got up and sat in lotus position and began to meditate. It appears he was in this state for as long as sixteen years when a Tamil poet and scholar in North India named Madurakavi(also an Azhwar) saw a bright light shining to the south and followed it until he reached Nammazhwar tree's.

He was stunned on seeing this sight. He asked him a riddle: "If the small is born in a dead's body, what will it eat and where will it stay?" meaning, if the subtle soul is embodied in the gross body, what are its actions and thoughts? Nammazhwar broke his lifelong silence and responded, "It will eat and it will rest there itself!" meaning that if the soul identifies with the body, it will be with the body but if it merges with the divine, it will stay in Vaikuntam and serve God. Madhurakavi was himself in a state of high spiritual evolution as he had made him speak at last. Madhurakavi accepted Nammazhwar has his guru. Azhwar means a person who is immersed with God. As per the meaning, they both served Lord Vishnu and spread Vishnu's fame in earth.

Month: Vaikasi
Nakshatram: Visakam
Sign: Vishwasenan

Chapter#13: Boothath Azhwar

Bhoothathazhwar was one of the twelve Azhwars. Bhoothath Azhwar appeared in a flower called kurukkaththi in a garden at Kadalmallai port of Pallava Rajyam in Mahabalipuram in the seventh century. Bhoothathalvar's 100 hymns form the second part of the Naalayira Divyap Prabhandham.

"Anbe Thagliyaa Aarvame NeyyaagaInburugu Chintai Idu ThiriyaaNanpurugi Gnaana Chudar Vilakku EtrinenNaaranarku Gnaana Thamizh Purindha Naan".

Here, it is the love as the lamp and involvement as the oil and Azhwar says "I dedicate myself to the service of the lord, by singing this song that blesses wisdom, with love as the lamp, endearing involvement as the oil (Ghee), and knowledge as the wick of the torch".


Month: Aiypassee
Nakshatram: Avittam
Sign: Kaudomuki, mace of Vishnu.

Chapter#12: Thirumezhisai Azhwar

The legend of this saint devotee say that he was the incarnation of Vishnu's disc, Sudarshana. There are only 216 of his paasurams in the 4000 Divya Prabhandham.
A munivar by the name Bargava muni didn't have a child. He prayed to Perumal and did a Yaagam. As a result of the Yaagam, his wife gave birth to a baby, which is said to be an Hamsam of Sudharsana Chakkaram of Sriman Narayanan.

The baby was found in an incomplete manner (i.e.) it did not have hands, legs etc. On seeing the baby, both of his parents, Bargava muni and his wife were worried and felt bad for the baby and left it under a tree. After they left, Perumal along with Lakshmi Devi came and blessed the baby. As a result, the baby got hands and legs. After this, Perumal and Lakshmi Devi disappeared from that place.

A person by the name of Thiruvaalan was coming along that side and heard the baby crying. He was also childless, so he thought that God has gifted him. He took the baby and went to his house. On seeing the child, Thiruvaalan’s wife tried to feed the baby with milk. But the baby didn't drink it and it didn't even sleep. But the baby's health didn't seem to be losing. This miracle news spread all over the place. An old man came to see this child. When he saw the child, he noted the shine on his face and thought that Perumal blessed the child. Since, the Emperumaan blessed the child, it was named as "Thirumazhisai piraan".

He gave a cup of cow's pure milk to the child. The child accepted it and drank the milk. On seeing this, both Tiruvaalan and his wife were happy and asked the old man to come daily to feed the milk. Likewise, the old man came daily and gave milk to the child and told the couple that the remaining milk should be taken by his wife, so that she might give birth to a child. As days she gave birth to a male child and they named him as "Kani kannan". Kani Kannan was taught vedic philosophies and spiritual books. He became the close friend of Thirumazhisai piraan and kani kannan started to treat Thirumazhisai piraan as his Guru. He learnt lots of spiritual knowledge from his Guru and followed him.

Once Thirumazhisaipiraan went to the avathara sthalam of Poigai Alwar. He wanted to stay there for sometime and started to meditate. At that time, an old lady was working for Thirumazhisai piran. On seeing the help rendered by her, granted her a boom. She asked him that she is feeling bad about her old age and as a result she asked him to change her into a youth. Thirumezhisaipiraan changed her to a beautiful young woman.

The king passing by the side of the young lady, found her and was stunned to see her beauty. After going to his palace, he sent his soldiers and sent a message that he wanted to marry her. She accepted his wish and they both got married and led life happily. The days passed on and the king became old, but his wife seems to be young and beautiful. He asked her about the secret of her beauty. She told about her story and how she became young and beautiful.

On hearing the secret, the king sent some of soldiers to Thirumizhisai azhwars place to ask his disciple, Kani Kannan to come to his palace. Kani Kannan went to the palace and met the king. The king said that his Guru Thirumazhisai Azhwar should sing a poem on praising him. But Kani Kannan told that his guru is said to be blessed by the Emperumaan and his mouth will praise only the God, but not the king. The king asked if atleast he could praise him through his poem. But Kani Kannan refused to do so and said that he is not an ordinary person who praises for the need of ornaments and food.

The king was angry on hearing the words from Kani Kannan and ordered him to leave his kingdom as he has failed to obey the king. Kani Kannan went straight to meet Thirumazhisai Azhwar and explained all that had happened to him in the palace. As ordered by the king, Kani Kannan started to leave kingdom. Hearing this, Thirumazhisai Azhwar stopped Kani Kannan and said that he is also coming along with him, since they were together since childhood. It is believed that Perumal and Adhi Seshan also left the temple along with Kani Kannan and Thirumezhisaipiraan. The empire became dull and lost its charm.

The king realized his fault. The king felt for his mistake and asked Kani Kannan to return back to his kindom. As requested by the king, they returned to the kingdom. The kingdom also regained it's charm.

Month: Thai
Nakshatram: Magam
Sign: Chakra

-Details were collected from various Internet websites.

Chapter#11: Poigai Alvar

Poigai Azhwar was born in a village near Kanchipuram in the seventh century. From childhood, his thinking was always on the almighty, Lord Vishnu and made up his mind that he should follow him. He wanted to spread His fame to the world. He learnt all the religious speeches and acted according to it and led his life as how a true devotee should lead life. Knowing the greatness of Vishnu, he left all of his general human characters like love, anger. Poigai Azhwar composed the first 100 pasurams "Mudhal Thiruvandhadhi".

Month: Aiypasee
Nakshatram: Thiruvonam
Sign: Conch

Chapter#10: Pei Azhwar

Pei Azhwar was one of the twelve Azhwars. He was born in Tirumayilai, presently known as Mylapore. Vaishnavite traditions states that Pei Azhwar was found on a lily flower in the pond of the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore. He is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu's divine sword "Nandaka". Pei Azhwar sang songs in praise of Lord Vishnu.

Month: Aiypasee
Nakshatram: Sadayam
Sign: Nandaka, sword of Vishnu.

Chapter#9: Image Worship

Utsavar idol carried by devotees


Religion is essentially based on emotion and inspired by faith. The glorious, beautiful, smiling and enchanting form of the charming Lord evokes admiration, reverence and love. Basic human nature is the feeling of love towards some object or some person hence bhakti, devotion is very close to the human heart.

The Supreme manifests Himself in murti forms in the Divya Desams for the purpose of worship. The places where the Azhwars worshipped and sang in praise of Narayana are called Divya Desams. The lovely personality of the Supreme Lord with adornments and all auspicious attributes like beauty, effulgence, valour, etc. is personally experienced by the devotee in the sacred image.


Moolavar

The Moola Vigraha or main deity in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple is fixed and immobile made generally of stone or saligrama. Admission into the sanctum sanctorum is strictly restricted and only the Brahmin in charge of pooja is allowed. The Brahmin takes bath and performs religious rites before entering the sanctum sanctorum. This is mainly to protect the sanctity of the idol. The Supreme Lord is powerful, however the idol placed is man made. The idol’s power depends on how well it is protected from evil. The clothes are changed periodically and abhishekam’s are done regularly. These don’t increase the power of Lord but increase the power of the idol. Any person visiting the temple should feel peace the moment on seeing the deity.

The Utsava Murti or the festival deity is taken on a parade during festival times. The worship of murtis purifies the mind and elevates the soul to a higher plane of consciousness and existence.